Brazilian victory for Hamilton sets up season defining finale

Lewis Hamilton won the Brazilian Grand Prix yesterday, ensuring the Championship fight goes right down to the final round in Abu Dhabi.

Winning in Brazil was extra special for Hamilton, as victory at the home track of his boyhood idol Ayrton Senna has so far eluded him, but it's team-mate Nico Rosberg who remains in the driving seat when it comes to the standings after he finished second in one of the wettest races in recent memory. Rosberg's second place means all he has to do in a fortnight is finish in a minimum of third place and he will win his first world champion. But the victory in Interlagos for Hamilton cut Rosberg’s lead to 12 points, meaning the Brit is still in with a shout of his fourth world championship if he wins and Rosberg fails to make the podium.

Hamilton gave a masterclass in how to drive, and win, in the wet - not putting a tyre wrong as he lead from pole in a crazy race which saw multiple spins, heavy crashes, two red flags and five safety cars.

A special mention has to go to 19-year-old Max Verstappen who fought from the back of the field after a tyre gamble failed to pay off. He made up 13 places in 16 laps with some audacious overtakes, made even more impressive by the still pouring rain. A clearly delighted Verstappen finished in 3rd, taking the final spot on the podium.

The season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi takes place the weekend of 26/27 November.